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Int J Anat Res 2014 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321-4287 810
Original Article
EVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMEDCADAVER BONESBhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG Patnaik
ABSTRACT
Address for Correspondence Dr Bhawani Shankar Modi Dept of Anatomy MaharishiMarkandeshwar Institute of Medical Science and Research Mullana Ambala IndiaMobile No +919896340163 E-Mail bhawanimodidrgmailcom
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Department of Anatomy Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Science and ResearchMullana Ambala India
Objective The present study was conducted to find new technique for development of bone specimens fromcadaversMaterial and methods Long bones skull and other bones from embalmed cadaver were taken and cleansed byvarious methods Four methods were employed for preparing specimens In 1st method bones were boiled in tapwater for 7-8 hours on gas stove In 2nd method bones were immersed in water with addition of detergent atconstant temperature In 3rd method bones were kept at constant temperature in water without addition ofdetergent In 4th method bones were buried for one month under superficial surface of soil during rainy seasonafter boiling the bones for 7-8 hoursObservations Use of detergent in warm water (65o C) was good for cleaning long bones while best result for longbones as well as skull was seen with boiling followed by burial of embalmed specimens Results were found asexpected Time consumed in the present study was less than old classical methods Bones specimens formedwere of high qualityConclusions Preparation of bone specimen by embalmed cadaver can be of immense value and time saver formany research institutes to get their self-prepared specimens There are many more ways which has to bemodified or rediscovered in this area of research which has been neglected so farKEYWORDS Bones Cleaning Embalming Cadaver
INTRODUCTION
International Journal of Anatomy and ResearchInt J Anat Res 2014 Vol 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321- 4287
DOI 1016965ijar2014554
Received 03 Dec 2014Peer Review 03 Dec 2014 Published (O)31 Dec 2014Accepted 13 Dec 2014 Published (P)31 Dec 2014
International Journal of Anatomy and ResearchISSN 2321-4287
wwwijmhrorgijarhtm
DOI 1016965ijar2014554
Anatomy teaching has become a challengingtask Anatomy evolved as a keystone of medicaleducation through ages Bones are very essentialpart of anatomy teaching curriculum Knowledgeof bones is not only important for anatomist butalso of equal importance from clinical andmedico legal aspect There are many ways toprocure bones Some anatomists think thatburying and letting nature do its work is the bestway of cleansing skulls and skeletons [1]Another method commonly practised by
anatomist in ancient time was hanging of deadto free the cadaver of most of its flesh and tocut out the inner organs without taking apartany joint of the body [2]However recently there has been scarcity inavailability of bones for teaching in India Thisis probably because of the following facts 1)donation of body is not a common practicetherefore causing scarcity of cadavers which hasfurther led to less availability of bones2) Increase in demand of bones is due toincrease of medical dental and physiotherapy
Int J Anat Res 2014 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321-4287 811
Bhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES
colleges There has been increase in medicalcolleges by 31 since last 5 years (leading toover 50000 students getting admitted in Indiato MBBS course) which has increased thedemand of bones too [3 4] Traditional methodsof getting bones are being very tedious and timeconsuming and are not able to meet therequirement of bones All these have arisen theneed for evaluating methods to procure bonesfrom available materials ie wet specimenswhich are less time consuming Thereforepresent study was conducted with the aim ofevaluating the least time consuming andpractical method to procure bones fromembalmed cadavers and wet specimens in thedepartment of anatomy Embalmed cadaversdiffer from un-embalmed ones in this context
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted on four sets ofdissected specimens each set of which washaving a skull a scapula a humerus a radiusan ulna a femur a tibia and a fibula Each setwas subjected to separate method for cleaningamp processing bones Universal precautions wereobserved to prevent any chemical and physicalinjury to persons involvedMethod I The specimens were kept in metalcontainer completely immersed in water Thewater in it was boiled for 7-8 hours on gasstove[5]Method II soft tissue was removed withdissecting instruments Partially cleaned boneswere immersed in 20 litres warm water (65o
Celsius) containing 40 grams detergent powder[1]Method III soft tissue was removed as insecond method and partially cleaned boneswere immersed in 20 litres of warm water (65o
Celsius) The temperature of the water wasmaintained at 65o C The bones were kept inwarm water for 24 hoursMethod IV bones were cleared and cleaned asdescribed in first method then these bones wereburied under ground (which was not speciallyprepared) This procedure was done in humidweather (rainy season) After 30 days boneswere excavated and rinsed under tap waterDebris was removed with soft brush
OBSERVATIONS
Bones from above methods were kept in acetonesolution for degreasing and then all bones werekept in hydrogen peroxide either 4 or 6solution for whitening the bones6
In present study it was observed that boiling inwater (Method I) could clean the long bones togreater extent however soft tissue from ends ofthe long bones and skull especially aroundforamina could not be cleaned [figure 1-A]Cleaning of long bones was effective in MethodII however small bones of skull became brittlewith use of detergent [figure 1-B] Cleaning oflong bones and skull was not effective withMethod III Soft tissue could not be removed fromends of long bones and base of skull [figure 1-C] Bones cleaning was effectively done withMethod IV long bones as well as skull were clearof all soft tissue after excavation [figure 1-D]
Fig 1 Cleaning of skull A) Incomplete removal of softtissues from base of skull using method I B) Brokencribriform plate and orbital plate of frontal bone of skullafter using method II C) Incomplete removal of soft tissuefrom skull after using method III D) cleaning of skullwith method IV
Int J Anat Res 2014 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321-4287 812
Bhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES
Fig 2 Cleaning of long bones A) Ends of long bones containg soft tissue after using method I B) Long boneprocured after using method II C) incomplete removal of soft tissue from long bones after using method III D)
Long bones procured after using method IV
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Dry human bones are important material not onlyfor anatomy teaching but also for assessing theefficacy of orthopaedic devices [7] Variousmethods causing soft tissue decompositioninclude a) boiling b) use of chemicals c) use ofinsects d) water decomposition ande)decomposition by burying in the soil All thesemethods lead to complete skeletonization andexcept boiling all other methods are effectivefor medium sized and large animals Howeverscarcities and involvement of complex legalissues concerning cadaver has reduced theavailability of bones for anatomical teachingwhich has led to use of embalmed specimensfor procuring human bones In present studyboiling of embalmed specimen followed byburying under soil has given best results forprocuring good quality bones The specimenswere buried under superficial surface of soilduring rainy season It has been reported thatburying of human cadaver specimens in super-ficial surface of soil leads to early decomposi-tion due to greater level of biological activity atthe surface and in the upper soil layers becauseof the greater availability of oxygen and food[8] Humid weather of rainy season is alsohelpful in accelerating decomposition leadingto early skeletonization of specimencadaverThe time taken by method in present study was30 days in comparison to one year by burying
the cadaver without embalming whileembalmed cadaver may take little longerGenerally decomposition one week in the air isequivalent to two weeks in water and eightweeks in soil [7] Standard reported methods forprocuring bone are either boiling or burial How-ever decomposition of soft tissue is delayed inembalmed bodies due to presence of formalinbut boiling before burial of such specimens leadsto enhancement of soft tissue decompositiondue to decrease in formalin after boiling MethodII was easy and less time consuming methodfor procuring long bones (Figure 2-B) Use ofacid for removal of soft tissue removes calciumfrom bone making them brittle hence we usealkali in the form of detergent which by saponi-fication of soft tissue without decalcification ofbone [8] It has also been proved that there isno effect on mechanical properties of boneafter storage even if it has been procured froman embalmed specimen Prepared bone speci-mens were having no decay or fracture and wereintact with all normal features [9] Methods usedwere not hazardous but also eco-friendly andeconomical Microbiological safety for user isobtained by drying the bones with hot air blowerfollowed by thin film of acrylic spray Thereforeit concluded that preparation of bone specimenby embalmed cadaver can be of immense valueand time saver for many research institutes toget their self-prepared specimens
Int J Anat Res 2014 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321-4287 813
Conflicts of Interests None
REFERENCES
Bhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES
How to cite this articleBhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OFTECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES IntJ Anat Res 20142(4)810-813 DOI 1016965ijar2014554
[1] Cleaning methods - SEABIRD OSTEOLOGY [Internet][cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpwwwshearwaternlindexphpfile=kop131php
[2] Chapter 39 By What Method the Bones and Cartilagesof the Human Body May Be Prepared for Inspection[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpvesaliusnorthwesterneduchaptersFA139html
[3] Annual Reports [Internet] [cited 2014 May 7]Avai lable from httpwwwmciindiaorgAboutMCIAnnualReportsaspx
[4] Press Information Bureau English Releases[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httppibnicinnewsiteereleaseaspxrelid=36337
[5] Nawrocki S Cleaning Bones University ofIndianapolis Archeology amp Forensics Laboratory(httparchlabuindyedu) 1997
[6] Cleaning Skulls and Skeletons by maceration[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpwwwskullsitecommiscmacerationmanualhtm
[7] Bone Preservation - Bone Preservation_version2pdf[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from ftpftp-fcsc egovusdagov CT soils Bone20Preservation_ version2pdf
[8] Bushinsky DA amp Frick KK The effects of acid onboneCurrent opinion in nephrology andhypertension20009369-79
[9] Haaren EHV Zwaard BCVD Veen AJVD Heyligers ICWuisman PIJM Smit TH Effect of long-termpreservation on the mechanical properties ofcortical bone in goats Acta Orthopaedica 200879 (5) 708ndash716
Int J Anat Res 2014 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321-4287 811
Bhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES
colleges There has been increase in medicalcolleges by 31 since last 5 years (leading toover 50000 students getting admitted in Indiato MBBS course) which has increased thedemand of bones too [3 4] Traditional methodsof getting bones are being very tedious and timeconsuming and are not able to meet therequirement of bones All these have arisen theneed for evaluating methods to procure bonesfrom available materials ie wet specimenswhich are less time consuming Thereforepresent study was conducted with the aim ofevaluating the least time consuming andpractical method to procure bones fromembalmed cadavers and wet specimens in thedepartment of anatomy Embalmed cadaversdiffer from un-embalmed ones in this context
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted on four sets ofdissected specimens each set of which washaving a skull a scapula a humerus a radiusan ulna a femur a tibia and a fibula Each setwas subjected to separate method for cleaningamp processing bones Universal precautions wereobserved to prevent any chemical and physicalinjury to persons involvedMethod I The specimens were kept in metalcontainer completely immersed in water Thewater in it was boiled for 7-8 hours on gasstove[5]Method II soft tissue was removed withdissecting instruments Partially cleaned boneswere immersed in 20 litres warm water (65o
Celsius) containing 40 grams detergent powder[1]Method III soft tissue was removed as insecond method and partially cleaned boneswere immersed in 20 litres of warm water (65o
Celsius) The temperature of the water wasmaintained at 65o C The bones were kept inwarm water for 24 hoursMethod IV bones were cleared and cleaned asdescribed in first method then these bones wereburied under ground (which was not speciallyprepared) This procedure was done in humidweather (rainy season) After 30 days boneswere excavated and rinsed under tap waterDebris was removed with soft brush
OBSERVATIONS
Bones from above methods were kept in acetonesolution for degreasing and then all bones werekept in hydrogen peroxide either 4 or 6solution for whitening the bones6
In present study it was observed that boiling inwater (Method I) could clean the long bones togreater extent however soft tissue from ends ofthe long bones and skull especially aroundforamina could not be cleaned [figure 1-A]Cleaning of long bones was effective in MethodII however small bones of skull became brittlewith use of detergent [figure 1-B] Cleaning oflong bones and skull was not effective withMethod III Soft tissue could not be removed fromends of long bones and base of skull [figure 1-C] Bones cleaning was effectively done withMethod IV long bones as well as skull were clearof all soft tissue after excavation [figure 1-D]
Fig 1 Cleaning of skull A) Incomplete removal of softtissues from base of skull using method I B) Brokencribriform plate and orbital plate of frontal bone of skullafter using method II C) Incomplete removal of soft tissuefrom skull after using method III D) cleaning of skullwith method IV
Int J Anat Res 2014 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321-4287 812
Bhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES
Fig 2 Cleaning of long bones A) Ends of long bones containg soft tissue after using method I B) Long boneprocured after using method II C) incomplete removal of soft tissue from long bones after using method III D)
Long bones procured after using method IV
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Dry human bones are important material not onlyfor anatomy teaching but also for assessing theefficacy of orthopaedic devices [7] Variousmethods causing soft tissue decompositioninclude a) boiling b) use of chemicals c) use ofinsects d) water decomposition ande)decomposition by burying in the soil All thesemethods lead to complete skeletonization andexcept boiling all other methods are effectivefor medium sized and large animals Howeverscarcities and involvement of complex legalissues concerning cadaver has reduced theavailability of bones for anatomical teachingwhich has led to use of embalmed specimensfor procuring human bones In present studyboiling of embalmed specimen followed byburying under soil has given best results forprocuring good quality bones The specimenswere buried under superficial surface of soilduring rainy season It has been reported thatburying of human cadaver specimens in super-ficial surface of soil leads to early decomposi-tion due to greater level of biological activity atthe surface and in the upper soil layers becauseof the greater availability of oxygen and food[8] Humid weather of rainy season is alsohelpful in accelerating decomposition leadingto early skeletonization of specimencadaverThe time taken by method in present study was30 days in comparison to one year by burying
the cadaver without embalming whileembalmed cadaver may take little longerGenerally decomposition one week in the air isequivalent to two weeks in water and eightweeks in soil [7] Standard reported methods forprocuring bone are either boiling or burial How-ever decomposition of soft tissue is delayed inembalmed bodies due to presence of formalinbut boiling before burial of such specimens leadsto enhancement of soft tissue decompositiondue to decrease in formalin after boiling MethodII was easy and less time consuming methodfor procuring long bones (Figure 2-B) Use ofacid for removal of soft tissue removes calciumfrom bone making them brittle hence we usealkali in the form of detergent which by saponi-fication of soft tissue without decalcification ofbone [8] It has also been proved that there isno effect on mechanical properties of boneafter storage even if it has been procured froman embalmed specimen Prepared bone speci-mens were having no decay or fracture and wereintact with all normal features [9] Methods usedwere not hazardous but also eco-friendly andeconomical Microbiological safety for user isobtained by drying the bones with hot air blowerfollowed by thin film of acrylic spray Thereforeit concluded that preparation of bone specimenby embalmed cadaver can be of immense valueand time saver for many research institutes toget their self-prepared specimens
Int J Anat Res 2014 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321-4287 813
Conflicts of Interests None
REFERENCES
Bhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES
How to cite this articleBhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OFTECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES IntJ Anat Res 20142(4)810-813 DOI 1016965ijar2014554
[1] Cleaning methods - SEABIRD OSTEOLOGY [Internet][cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpwwwshearwaternlindexphpfile=kop131php
[2] Chapter 39 By What Method the Bones and Cartilagesof the Human Body May Be Prepared for Inspection[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpvesaliusnorthwesterneduchaptersFA139html
[3] Annual Reports [Internet] [cited 2014 May 7]Avai lable from httpwwwmciindiaorgAboutMCIAnnualReportsaspx
[4] Press Information Bureau English Releases[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httppibnicinnewsiteereleaseaspxrelid=36337
[5] Nawrocki S Cleaning Bones University ofIndianapolis Archeology amp Forensics Laboratory(httparchlabuindyedu) 1997
[6] Cleaning Skulls and Skeletons by maceration[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpwwwskullsitecommiscmacerationmanualhtm
[7] Bone Preservation - Bone Preservation_version2pdf[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from ftpftp-fcsc egovusdagov CT soils Bone20Preservation_ version2pdf
[8] Bushinsky DA amp Frick KK The effects of acid onboneCurrent opinion in nephrology andhypertension20009369-79
[9] Haaren EHV Zwaard BCVD Veen AJVD Heyligers ICWuisman PIJM Smit TH Effect of long-termpreservation on the mechanical properties ofcortical bone in goats Acta Orthopaedica 200879 (5) 708ndash716
Int J Anat Res 2014 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321-4287 812
Bhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES
Fig 2 Cleaning of long bones A) Ends of long bones containg soft tissue after using method I B) Long boneprocured after using method II C) incomplete removal of soft tissue from long bones after using method III D)
Long bones procured after using method IV
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Dry human bones are important material not onlyfor anatomy teaching but also for assessing theefficacy of orthopaedic devices [7] Variousmethods causing soft tissue decompositioninclude a) boiling b) use of chemicals c) use ofinsects d) water decomposition ande)decomposition by burying in the soil All thesemethods lead to complete skeletonization andexcept boiling all other methods are effectivefor medium sized and large animals Howeverscarcities and involvement of complex legalissues concerning cadaver has reduced theavailability of bones for anatomical teachingwhich has led to use of embalmed specimensfor procuring human bones In present studyboiling of embalmed specimen followed byburying under soil has given best results forprocuring good quality bones The specimenswere buried under superficial surface of soilduring rainy season It has been reported thatburying of human cadaver specimens in super-ficial surface of soil leads to early decomposi-tion due to greater level of biological activity atthe surface and in the upper soil layers becauseof the greater availability of oxygen and food[8] Humid weather of rainy season is alsohelpful in accelerating decomposition leadingto early skeletonization of specimencadaverThe time taken by method in present study was30 days in comparison to one year by burying
the cadaver without embalming whileembalmed cadaver may take little longerGenerally decomposition one week in the air isequivalent to two weeks in water and eightweeks in soil [7] Standard reported methods forprocuring bone are either boiling or burial How-ever decomposition of soft tissue is delayed inembalmed bodies due to presence of formalinbut boiling before burial of such specimens leadsto enhancement of soft tissue decompositiondue to decrease in formalin after boiling MethodII was easy and less time consuming methodfor procuring long bones (Figure 2-B) Use ofacid for removal of soft tissue removes calciumfrom bone making them brittle hence we usealkali in the form of detergent which by saponi-fication of soft tissue without decalcification ofbone [8] It has also been proved that there isno effect on mechanical properties of boneafter storage even if it has been procured froman embalmed specimen Prepared bone speci-mens were having no decay or fracture and wereintact with all normal features [9] Methods usedwere not hazardous but also eco-friendly andeconomical Microbiological safety for user isobtained by drying the bones with hot air blowerfollowed by thin film of acrylic spray Thereforeit concluded that preparation of bone specimenby embalmed cadaver can be of immense valueand time saver for many research institutes toget their self-prepared specimens
Int J Anat Res 2014 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321-4287 813
Conflicts of Interests None
REFERENCES
Bhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES
How to cite this articleBhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OFTECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES IntJ Anat Res 20142(4)810-813 DOI 1016965ijar2014554
[1] Cleaning methods - SEABIRD OSTEOLOGY [Internet][cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpwwwshearwaternlindexphpfile=kop131php
[2] Chapter 39 By What Method the Bones and Cartilagesof the Human Body May Be Prepared for Inspection[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpvesaliusnorthwesterneduchaptersFA139html
[3] Annual Reports [Internet] [cited 2014 May 7]Avai lable from httpwwwmciindiaorgAboutMCIAnnualReportsaspx
[4] Press Information Bureau English Releases[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httppibnicinnewsiteereleaseaspxrelid=36337
[5] Nawrocki S Cleaning Bones University ofIndianapolis Archeology amp Forensics Laboratory(httparchlabuindyedu) 1997
[6] Cleaning Skulls and Skeletons by maceration[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpwwwskullsitecommiscmacerationmanualhtm
[7] Bone Preservation - Bone Preservation_version2pdf[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from ftpftp-fcsc egovusdagov CT soils Bone20Preservation_ version2pdf
[8] Bushinsky DA amp Frick KK The effects of acid onboneCurrent opinion in nephrology andhypertension20009369-79
[9] Haaren EHV Zwaard BCVD Veen AJVD Heyligers ICWuisman PIJM Smit TH Effect of long-termpreservation on the mechanical properties ofcortical bone in goats Acta Orthopaedica 200879 (5) 708ndash716
Int J Anat Res 2014 2(4)810-13 ISSN 2321-4287 813
Conflicts of Interests None
REFERENCES
Bhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OF TECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES
How to cite this articleBhawani Shankar Modi Nidhi Puri VVG PatnaikEVALUATION OFTECHNIQUES FOR CLEANING EMBALMED CADAVER BONES IntJ Anat Res 20142(4)810-813 DOI 1016965ijar2014554
[1] Cleaning methods - SEABIRD OSTEOLOGY [Internet][cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpwwwshearwaternlindexphpfile=kop131php
[2] Chapter 39 By What Method the Bones and Cartilagesof the Human Body May Be Prepared for Inspection[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpvesaliusnorthwesterneduchaptersFA139html
[3] Annual Reports [Internet] [cited 2014 May 7]Avai lable from httpwwwmciindiaorgAboutMCIAnnualReportsaspx
[4] Press Information Bureau English Releases[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httppibnicinnewsiteereleaseaspxrelid=36337
[5] Nawrocki S Cleaning Bones University ofIndianapolis Archeology amp Forensics Laboratory(httparchlabuindyedu) 1997
[6] Cleaning Skulls and Skeletons by maceration[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from httpwwwskullsitecommiscmacerationmanualhtm
[7] Bone Preservation - Bone Preservation_version2pdf[Internet] [cited 2014 May 7] Available from ftpftp-fcsc egovusdagov CT soils Bone20Preservation_ version2pdf
[8] Bushinsky DA amp Frick KK The effects of acid onboneCurrent opinion in nephrology andhypertension20009369-79
[9] Haaren EHV Zwaard BCVD Veen AJVD Heyligers ICWuisman PIJM Smit TH Effect of long-termpreservation on the mechanical properties ofcortical bone in goats Acta Orthopaedica 200879 (5) 708ndash716